At least five people, including two children, died and another five were injured when a truck that leaked ammonia overturned in the US state of Illinois.

After the accident, the local population was evacuated, reports AP.

According to Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes, the three dead are members of the same family. Two of them are children under 12 years old.

Rhodes added that two adult drivers also died.

Five of the injured were transferred by helicopter to nearby hospitals, and their condition is currently unknown.

The accident, which involved several vehicles, happened last night around 21:25 p.m. about 800 meters east of the city of Tutopolis, the Illinois State Police said.

As previously reported, there was a leak of anhydrous ammonia, which is toxic and can pose a health hazard if safe handling procedures are not followed.

Inhalation of anhydrous ammonia can cause lung irritation to severe respiratory injury, with possible death at higher concentrations.

As previously reported by the authorities, there was a leak of anhydrous ammonia, which is toxic and can pose a health hazard if safe handling procedures are not followed.

Inhalation of anhydrous ammonia can cause lung irritation to severe respiratory injury, with possible death at higher concentrations.
Anhydrous ammonia is also corrosive and can burn skin and eyes.

Tutopolis is located about 150 kilometers southeast of Springfield, the capital of Illinois.